Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Yek SH, Sethu Pathy T, Yeo DYC, Gan JYS
    PeerJ, 2023;11:e16157.
    PMID: 37868047 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16157
    Anthropogenic disturbances and seasonal changes significantly impact diversity and community composition of ants, but their effects are often intertwined. We investigated these drivers on Lang Tengah Island, a location with a pronounced monsoon season and three resorts that close during this period. We surveyed four sites, two disturbed and two undisturbed, before and after the monsoon season, using pitfall traps to sample epigaeic ant communities. Undisturbed habitats had higher species diversity, but both habitats (undisturbed and disturbed sites) have a high proportion of ants with characteristics of being encroached by generalist and invasive/tramp ant species. Post-monsoon sampling yielded an increase in species richness and diversity. Seasonal changes, such as monsoonal rains, can temporarily alter ant interactions and resource distribution, potentially maintaining diversity. Future studies should validate these findings for ant communities under similar pressures, using ant composition and functional roles for conservation and management purposes.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Ants*; Seasons; Ecosystem; Introduced Species
  2. Baadu R, Chong KP, Gansau JA, Mohamed Zin MR, Dayou J
    PeerJ, 2023;11:e15682.
    PMID: 37868055 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15682
    In the 1920s, Lewis Stadler initiated the introduction of permanent improvements to the genetic makeup of irradiated plants. Since then, studies related to breeding mutations have grown, as efforts have been made to expand and improve crop productivity and quality. Stadler's discovery began with x-rays on corn and barley and later extended to the use of gamma-rays, thermal, and fast neutrons in crops. Radiation has since been shown to be an effective and unique method for increasing the genetic variability of species, including rice. Numerous systematic reviews have been conducted on the impact of physical mutagens on the production and grain quality of rice in Southeast Asia. However, the existing literature still lacks information on the type of radiation used, the rice planting materials used, the dosage of physical mutagens, and the differences in mutated characteristics. Therefore, this article aims to review existing literature on the use of physical mutagens in rice crops in Southeast Asian countries. Guided by the PRISMA Statement review method, 28 primary studies were identified through a systematic review of the Scopus, Science Direct, Emerald Insight, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing, and MDPI journal databases published between 2016 and 2020. The results show that 96% of the articles used seeds as planting materials, and 80% of the articles focused on gamma-rays as a source of physical mutagens. The optimal dosage of gamma-rays applied was around 100 to 250 Gy to improve plant development, abiotic stress, biochemical properties, and nutritional and industrial quality of rice.
    MeSH terms: Plant Breeding; Mutagens*; Mutation; Crops, Agricultural/genetics
  3. Tan B, Irfan M, Zhang ZS, Wang LY
    Zookeys, 2023;1182:1-9.
    PMID: 37868119 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1182.109532
    The genus Passiena is recorded for the first time from China with Passienaduanisp. nov. (♂♀) from Guangxi described here. In addition, the male of P.spinicrus Thorell, 1890 is described for the first time based on a specimen from Malaysia and colour photographs of freshly collected material are also presented. Detailed morphological descriptions, photographs, genital illustrations, and a distribution map for the two species are provided.
  4. Md Fadzil NH, Shahar S, Singh DKA, Rajikan R, Vanoh D, Mohamad Ali N, et al.
    Digit Health, 2023;9:20552076231207594.
    PMID: 37868158 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231207594
    OBJECTIVE: The research aimed to study digital divide by determining the usage of digital technology among older adults with cognitive frailty (CF) in Malaysia.

    METHODS: The dataset was obtained from the AGELESS trial screening phase conducted from October 2021 to March 2022, involving 476 community-dwelling Malaysian older adults (67.7 years old ± 6.1). Digital technology usage was assessed and CF was determined using Fried's criteria and Clinical Dementia Rating. A binary logistic regression was used to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with digital technology use among older adults with CF.

    RESULTS: The findings suggest a digital divide between older adults with CF and robust in Malaysia. CF individuals (72.1%) were less likely to utilise digital technology, mainly smartphone than robust older adults (89.6%). More than 70% of older people owned social media on their smartphones, namely, WhatsApp. The most frequent online activities in both groups were family interaction and obtaining current news. CF older adults were less likely to play games on their smart devices. Usage of digital technology was more common among male, younger age, attained formal education more than 6 years, had a higher monthly household income, and robust participants.

    CONCLUSIONS: The usage of digital technology was inversely related to CF status. CF older adults were less likely to integrate digital technology into their daily living compared to robust even though they were familiar with it. The use of digital technology should be reinforced among female, advanced age, widowers/divorcees without formal education and those from lower- or middle-income statuses, and cognitively frail older people.

  5. Andoy-Galvan JA, Sriram S, Kiat TJ, Xin LZ, Shin WJ, Chinna K
    F1000Res, 2023;12:550.
    PMID: 37868299 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.125203.1
    Background: Doctors with a normal BMI and healthy living habits have shown to be more confident and effective in providing realistic guidance and obesity management to their patients. This study investigated obesogenic tendencies of medical students as they progress in their medical studies. Methods: A cohort of forty-nine medical students enrolled in a five-year cohort study and was followed up after one year. At the initiation of the cohort, socio-demography and information on anthropometry, accommodation, eating behavior, stress and sleeping habits of the students had been recorded. Follow-up data was collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. Results: Thirty-seven percent of the students in the cohort are either obese or overweight in the one-year period.. A year of follow-up suggests that there is an increase in BMI among the male students (P=0.008) and the changes are associated with changes in accommodation (P=0.016), stress levels (P=0.021), and sleeping habits (P=0.011). Conclusion: Medical education system should seriously consider evaluating this aspect in the curriculum development to help our future medical practitioners practice a healthy lifestyle and be the initiator of change in the worsening prevalence of obesity worldwide.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students, Medical*; Cohort Studies; Overweight/epidemiology
  6. Kemp S, Goddard VCT, Boursicot K, Fuller R, Nadarajah VD
    MedEdPublish (2016), 2023;13:37.
    PMID: 37868340 DOI: 10.12688/mep.19688.1
    In the paper, the authors offer perspectives on the uses of technology and assessment, that support learning. The perspectives are viewed through validity (from the field of assessment) as a framework and they discuss four aspects of an interconnected technology, learning and assessment space that represent theory informed, authentic practice. The four are: 1) integrated coherence for learning, assessment and technology; 2) responsibilities for equity, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing; 3) sustainability; and 4) balancing resources in global contexts. The authors propose steps and considerations for medical and health professions educators who need to contextualise applications for technology, learning and assessment, for positive impact for learners, faculty, institutions and patient care.
  7. Kamra N, Jagadeesan S, Singh R
    Cureus, 2023 Sep;15(9):e45622.
    PMID: 37868404 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45622
    Scrub typhus is a mite-borne infectious disease endemic in India, Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Australia. It has a multitude of clinical manifestations ranging from mild symptoms like headache, myalgia, anorexia, fever, and rash to severe multiorgan failure. It can also lead to several complications, including pancreatitis, hepatitis, myocardial infarction, and cerebral infarction. A few cases of splenic infarction are also reported. We report a rare case of a 40-year-old female presenting with fever and left upper quadrant abdominal pain of acute onset. She is diagnosed serologically with scrub typhus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after ruling out other infectious causes, including other tropical diseases. Abdominal computed tomography revealed splenic infarction attributed to scrub typhus after excluding other etiologies. She improved after a course of doxycycline and was advised to follow up. Hence, a splenic infarct should be suspected in a patient with scrub typhus complaining of acute left hypochondriac pain.
  8. Tumaisuri D, A F, Razali F, Husain S
    Cureus, 2023 Sep;15(9):e45710.
    PMID: 37868511 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45710
    Actinomycosis is a progressive granulomatous infection caused by the bacteria Actinomyces israelii. Classically, the three most common clinical forms are cervicofacial, thoracic, and abdominopelvic. On the contrary, nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is considered to be a rare clinical disease, and its occurrence is extremely low. The infection can take place without any preceding infection or on immunocompromised status. A 25-year-old male with no previous medical history presented with persistent nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. A nasal endoscopy examination revealed an unclearly demarcated nasopharyngeal mass, and a complete microbiology and pathology analysis showed actinomycetes colonies. After two weeks of oral Augmentin therapy, the patient's illness was completely eradicated. Diagnosis of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is exceptionally crucial, and with early treatment of appropriate antibiotic therapy, the prognosis is excellent. Careful follow-up after adequate treatment as the possibility of frequent relapse is common.
  9. Subramaniyan V, Lubau NSA, Mukerjee N, Kumarasamy V
    Toxicol Rep, 2023 Dec;11:355-367.
    PMID: 37868808 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.10.005
    Confronting the profound public health concern of alcohol-induced liver damage calls for inventive therapeutic measures. The social, economic, and clinical ramifications are extensive and demand a comprehensive understanding. This thorough examination uncovers the complex relationship between alcohol intake and liver damage, with a special emphasis on the pivotal roles of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB p65 and CYP2E1/ROS/Nrf2 signalling networks. Different alcohol consumption patterns, determined by a myriad of factors, have significant implications for liver health, leading to a spectrum of adverse effects. The TLR4/NF-κB p65 pathway, a principal regulator of inflammation and immune responses, significantly contributes to various disease states when its balance is disrupted. Notably, the TLR4/MD-2-TNF-α pathway has been linked to non-alcohol related liver disease, while NF-κB activation is associated with alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD). The p65 subunit of NF-κB, primarily responsible for the release of inflammatory cytokines, hastens the progression of ALD. Breakthrough insights suggest that curcumin, a robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound sourced from turmeric, effectively disrupts the TLR4/NF-κB p65 pathway. This heralds a new approach to managing alcohol-induced liver damage. Initial clinical trials support curcumin's therapeutic potential, highlighting its ability to substantially reduce liver enzyme levels. The narrative surrounding alcohol-related liver injury is gradually becoming more intricate, intertwining complex signalling networks such as TLR4/NF-κB p65 and CYP2E1/ROS/Nrf2. The protective role of curcumin against alcohol-related liver damage marks the dawn of new treatment possibilities. However, the full realisation of this promising therapeutic potential necessitates rigorous future research to definitively understand these complex mechanisms and establish curcumin's effectiveness and safety in managing alcohol-related liver disorders.
  10. Henry JA, Wong LY, Ameh E, Yip CH, Hill A
    Front Public Health, 2023;11:1293880.
    PMID: 37869182 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1293880
    MeSH terms: Ophthalmology*; Public Health*; Global Health; World Health Organization
  11. Al-Mekhlafi AA, Isha ASN, Al-Quraishi MS, Kanwal N
    Front Public Health, 2023;11:1160317.
    PMID: 37869200 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1160317
    INTRODUCTION: Driving fatigue has been shown to increase the risk of accidents and potentially fatal crashes. Fatigue is a serious risk that some drivers do not take seriously. Previous studies investigated the effects of driving fatigue in the Malaysian oil and gas transportation industry by employing survey questionnaires. However, they did not explain the behavior of fatigue. Besides, these results required validation by a more reliable method that can describe how fatigue occurs.

    METHODS: Thus, in this study, we used the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-192) and a short survey to address driving fatigue behavior and identify the influences of driving fatigue on driving performance in real life (on the road) with actual oil and gas tanker drivers. The total participants in the experimental study were 58 drivers.

    RESULTS: For the analysis, a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Z value and Spearman's rho were used to measure the significant difference between the pre and post-tests of PVT and the correlation between the fatigue variables and driving performance.

    DISCUSSION: During the experiment's first and second days, this study's results indicated that driving fatigue gradually escalated. Likewise, there was a negative correlation based on the test of the relationship between the PVT data and the driving performance survey data. Additionally, the drivers suffer from accumulative fatigue, which requires more effort from the transportation company management to promote the drivers awareness of fatigue consequences.

    MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic*; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transportation; Wakefulness; Motor Vehicles*
  12. Ong CL, Lai YC, Heidelberg T, Tang WK, Lee VS, Khaligh NG, et al.
    RSC Adv, 2023 Oct 18;13(44):30733-30742.
    PMID: 37869389 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05692a
    The conventional medium chain chlorinated paraffin (MCCP) and zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) additives have greatly enhanced the extreme pressure (EP) and anti-wear (AW) performance of the metalworking fluids. However, chlorine- and zinc-containing additives are restricted in use due to eco-toxicity issue. Herein, ashless and non-corrosive dimercaptobenzothiadiazole derivatives, namely bis-2,5-benzylsulfanyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazole (BBST) and bis-2,5-octylsulfanyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazole (BOST) consist of three sulfur atoms have been synthesized and evaluated. The performance of BBST shows a weld load (PD) of 3089 N and AW value of 5 mm2, which represents an improvement of 3.1 and 7.4 folds over naphthenic base oil (NBO). In addition, BBST also outperformed BOST, MCCP, and ZDDP in terms of its weld load and AW properties. Based on XPS analysis and molecular electrostatic potential maps (MEPS), BBST exhibits superior tribology performance due to the interaction between the sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and π-electrons of the benzene ring with the metal surface. The formation of FeS, Fe2O3 and Fe⋯N coordinate bonds contributes to the creation of an excellent tribofilm.
  13. Alkhazi B, Alipour A
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2023;9:e1587.
    PMID: 37869450 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1587
    The ability to create decentralized applications without the authority of a single entity has attracted numerous developers to build applications using blockchain technology. However, ensuring the correctness of such applications poses significant challenges, as it can result in financial losses or, even worse, a loss of user trust. Testing smart contracts introduces a unique set of challenges due to the additional restrictions and costs imposed by blockchain platforms during test case execution. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether testing techniques developed for traditional software can effectively be adapted to smart contracts. In this study, we propose a multi-objective test selection technique for smart contracts that aims to balance three objectives: time, coverage, and gas usage. We evaluated our approach using a comprehensive selection of real-world smart contracts and compared the results with various test selection methods employed in traditional software systems. Statistical analysis of our experiments, which utilized benchmark Solidity smart contract case studies, demonstrates that our approach significantly reduces the testing cost while still maintaining acceptable fault detection capabilities. This is in comparison to random search, mono-objective search, and the traditional re-testing method that does not employ heuristic search.
  14. Zhang XY, Abd Rahman AH, Qamar F
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2023;9:e1628.
    PMID: 37869467 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1628
    Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is a fundamental problem in robotics and computer vision. It involves the task of a robot or an autonomous system navigating an unknown environment, simultaneously creating a map of the surroundings, and accurately estimating its position within that map. While significant progress has been made in SLAM over the years, challenges still need to be addressed. One prominent issue is robustness and accuracy in dynamic environments, which can cause uncertainties and errors in the estimation process. Traditional methods using temporal information to differentiate static and dynamic objects have limitations in accuracy and applicability. Nowadays, many research trends have leaned towards utilizing deep learning-based methods which leverage the capabilities to handle dynamic objects, semantic segmentation, and motion estimation, aiming to improve accuracy and adaptability in complex scenes. This article proposed an approach to enhance monocular visual odometry's robustness and precision in dynamic environments. An enhanced algorithm using the semantic segmentation algorithm DeeplabV3+ is used to identify dynamic objects in the image and then apply the motion consistency check to remove feature points belonging to dynamic objects. The remaining static feature points are then used for feature matching and pose estimation based on ORB-SLAM2 using the Technical University of Munich (TUM) dataset. Experimental results show that our method outperforms traditional visual odometry methods in accuracy and robustness, especially in dynamic environments. By eliminating the influence of moving objects, our method improves the accuracy and robustness of visual odometry in dynamic environments. Compared to the traditional ORB-SLAM2, the results show that the system significantly reduces the absolute trajectory error and the relative pose error in dynamic scenes. Our approach has significantly improved the accuracy and robustness of the SLAM system's pose estimation.
  15. Wang HC, Djajalaksana S, Sharma L, Theerakittikul T, Lim HF, Yoo KH, et al.
    World Allergy Organ J, 2023 Oct;16(10):100823.
    PMID: 37869560 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100823
    BACKGROUND: The extent of short-acting Beta-2-agonist (β2-agonist) (SABA) use across Asian countries is not well documented. As part of the SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) III study, we assessed SABA prescriptions and clinical outcomes in patients with asthma from Asia.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited patients (aged ≥12 years) with asthma from 8 Asian countries. Data on disease characteristics and asthma treatments were collected using electronic case report forms. Patients were classified by practice type (primary or specialist care) and investigator-defined asthma severity (per Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA] 2017 recommendations). The association of SABA prescriptions with clinical outcomes was analyzed using multivariable regression models.

    RESULTS: Overall, 3066 patients were analyzed, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 51.8 (16.7) years; of these patients, 2116 (69%) were female, 2517 (82.1%) had moderate-to-severe asthma and 2498 (81.5%) and 559 (18.2%) were treated in specialist and primary care, respectively. In total, 1423 (46.4%) patients had partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma, with 1149 (37.5%) patients experiencing ≥1 severe asthma exacerbation in the previous year. Overall, 800 (26.7%) patients were prescribed ≥3 SABA canisters in the previous year, which is regarded as overprescription and was associated with a significantly decreased odds of at least partly controlled asthma and increased incidence rates of severe exacerbations (P 

  16. He Y, Ouyang W, Li Z, Wei B
    J Multidiscip Healthc, 2023;16:3017-3033.
    PMID: 37869611 DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S426710
    PURPOSE: Given the increasing longevity of the population, the consolidation of familial structures, and the scarcity of economic resources required to sustain an aging society, the Chinese government faces a complex and urgent challenge in effectively addressing the growing needs of older adults and establishing a long-term care services system that is both sustainable and equitable.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study harnesses the comprehensive CLHLS data from 2011 to 2018 and utilizes the "Pilot Industrialization of Old-Age Service in a Market-Oriented Way" policy as a quasi-natural experiment. Employing the Difference-in-Differences (DID) method, our study aims to evaluate the impact of industrializing older adult care services on the physical and mental health outcomes of older adults in China.

    RESULTS: The findings strongly indicate that the government's adoption of a market-driven fiscal approach within its policies, aimed at attracting social capital and fostering the industrialization of older adult care services, positively influences the physical and mental well-being of the aged population. Furthermore, through heterogeneity analysis, it becomes evident that the health promotion effect is particularly pronounced among older individuals living without a spouse, lacking family care from children or grandchildren, or residing in financially underdeveloped regions.

    CONCLUSION: In summary, these results underscore the potential efficacy of employing financial policy instruments to facilitate the industrialization of older adult care services, thereby advancing the promotion of a society characterized by healthy aging and ensuring equitable health outcomes for older people.

  17. Majid NA, Jaaffar AH, Kimpah J
    Data Brief, 2023 Dec;51:109650.
    PMID: 37869621 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109650
    Dataset in this article contains solid information on the novel dataset of exceptional women directors (EWDs) and carbon information disclosures (CID) of global energy leading companies. The data presented is related to the research article entitled "The Effect of Women's Leadership on Carbon Disclosure by the Top 100 Global Energy Leaders" [1]. In exploring the degree of EWDs' and the level of CID, the content analysis technique based on the enhanced scoring indicators were deployed to obtain the data of the 97 companies based on accessible materials from companies' websites or any associated reports such as sustainability, environmental, annual, or integrated reports within three-year periods (2018 - 2020) for the global energy leading companies which listed in Thomson Reuters Database 2017. Data on EWDs' engagement and CID are extracted from the available information, reports, and materials. The data are collected based on the enhanced version of the EWD's indicators adapted from Ramon Llorens, García-Meca and Pucheta-Martínez [2], Hillman, Cannella and Paetzold [3], and Jaaffar and Amran [4]. Meanwhile, data collected for CID by using Carbon Disclosures Index (CDI) comprising 90 scores within nine aspects; Strategy and Policy; Climate Change Risks and Opportunities; Corporate GHG Emissions Targets; Company Wide Carbon Footprint; GHG Emissions Change Over Time; Energy-Related Reporting; Emission Reduction Initiatives Implementation; Carbon Emission Accountability; and Quality of Disclosure as suggested by the prior scholars [5], [6], [7]. This dataset shed light as an indicator to measure exceptional women director in the energy companies in promoting transparent carbon disclosure performance as well as boosting women leadership involvement and participation in the most polluting sector which aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; SDG 5 gender equality, SDG 10 reduced inequality, and SDG 13 climate action.
  18. Wong LP, Alias H, Tan KM, Wong PF, Murugan DD, Hu Z, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2023;14:1254470.
    PMID: 37869747 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1254470
    Objective: The field of targeting cellular senescence with drug candidates to address age-related comorbidities has witnessed a notable surge of interest and research and development. This study aimed to gather valuable insights from pharmaceutical experts and healthcare practitioners regarding the potential and challenges of translating senolytic drugs for treatment of vascular aging-related disorders. Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews with healthcare practitioners and pharmaceutical experts. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interview transcripts. Results: A total of six individuals were interviewed, with three being pharmaceutical experts and the remaining three healthcare practitioners. The significant global burden of cardiovascular diseases presents a potentially large market size that offer an opportunity for the development and marketability of novel senolytic drugs. The pharmaceutical sector demonstrates a positive inclination towards the commercialization of new senolytic drugs targeting vascular aging-related disorders. However potential important concerns have been raised, and these include increasing specificity toward senescent cells to prevent off-site targeting, thus ensuring the safety and efficacy of these drugs. In addition, novel senolytic therapy for vascular aging-related disorders may encounter competition from existing drugs that treat or manage risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Healthcare practitioners are also in favor of recommending the novel senolytic drugs for vascular aging-related disorders but cautioned that its high cost may hinder its acceptance among patients. Besides sharing the same outcome-related concerns as with the pharmaceutical experts, healthcare practitioners anticipated a lack of awareness among the general public regarding the concept of targeting cellular senescence to delay vascular aging-related disorders, and this knowledge gap extends to healthcare practitioner themselves as well. Conclusion: Senolytic therapy for vascular aging-related disorders holds great promise, provided that crucial concerns surrounding its outcomes and commercial hurdles are effectively addressed.
  19. Kumar R, Arya N
    Lancet, 2023 Nov 11;402(10414):1747-1748.
    PMID: 37865109 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02054-8
    MeSH terms: Accreditation*; Humans; United States
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